Ardith A. Cooper

January 12, 1933 - January 15, 2021

Ardith A. Cooper, 88, of Morris, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 15, 2021. Born January 12, 1933 in Atlas, Illinois in Pike County, the daughter of George and Venita (Scott) Payne. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1951. She married Orin Cooper Jr. on April 15, 1951. They were married for 69 years. She is survived by two sons, Larry (Ruth Ann) Cooper of Morris and Martin and Diane Cooper of Estero, Florida; four grandchildren, Benjamin Cooper of Austin, Texas, Teresa (John) O’Grady of West Chicago, Jessica (Timothy) Karales of Yorkville and Vincent Cooper of Morris; two great grandchildren, Sydney O’Grady and Charles Karales; one brother, Larry (Sandra) Payne of Quincy, Il; one sister, Phyllis Payne of Tamarac, Fl; one sister-in-law, Lois Payne; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, Orin on June 20, 2020; her parents; one brother, Scott Payne. She attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church for many years, and was very active in the Pro-Life movement. She gave many hours of service to the Under His Wings Ministry. She enjoyed sewing, painting, crafts and loved bike riding and traveling with her husband, Orin. A very special thank you to caregivers, Gail, Char, Lacey, and many others who took care of Orin and Ardith over the past 4 years in their home. Also thank you to all those who cared for her while at Regency Care of Morris. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Sample Cemetery with Pastor Patrick Lohse officiating. Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St. in Morris is in charge of arrangements. For more information, call the funeral home at 815-942-0700 or sign the online guestbook at www.frulandfuneralhome.com.